Friday, 3 May 2013

Van Persie scoops April's Player of the Month award (... find out what his new number will be next season)... Benitez receives Manager of the month.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has won the Barclays Premier League Player of the Month award for April. The Dutchman - who will reveal what his number for next season will be in tomorrow's matchday programme - won the award for the second time this season after picking up the prize in December.

Van Persie scored six goals in April, including a devastating hat-trick against Aston Villa when he hit a stunning volley from over his shoulder. Those six goals have taken him to 25 for the season, five behind his tally for last year, but two ahead of his nearest rival Luis Suarez. The golden boot looks all but his because of Suarez's 10-game ban.

The 29-year-old wears the No 20 shirt at Old Trafford, but will wear a new number - expected to be No 9 - next season. Dimitar Berbatov occupied the No 9 shirt when Van Persie arrived at Old Trafford in August, but the Bulgarian's departure to Fulham later that month has left the iconic number free all season.

Van Persie's presence has made a significant difference to the red half of Manchester, as they have stormed clear of City with the rest of the squad similar to last season.

2012/2013 Players of the Month

Steven Fletcher (Sunderland) - September

Juan Mata (Chelsea) - October

Marouane Fellaini (Everton) - November

Robin van Persie (Man United) - December

Adam le Fondre (Reading) - January

Gareth Bale (Tottenham) - February

Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham) - March

Robin van Persie (Man United) - April

Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has been named April's Manager of the Month after his side went four games unbeaten to strengthen their top-four hopes. The latest accolade comes just hours after Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson said that Benitez was only interested in compiling his CV while in charge at Stamford Bridge.

CV filler: Rafael Benitez was voted April's Manager of the Month for the Premier League

Benitez as Manager of the Month

November 2005 - Liverpool

December 2005 - Liverpool

January 2007 - Liverpool

October 2008 - Liverpool

March 2009 - Liverpool

April 2013 - Chelsea

The last time a Chelsea manager won the award was back in April 2011, just before Carlo Ancelotti was sacked by the club.

Even though he had to put up with a torrent of criticism from Chelsea fans, Benitez has restored his reputation by creating a stylish side who have become favourites for third place in the Premier League and have qualified for the Europa League final.

Ferguson had said earlier on Friday: 'To be fair to him, he has done a good job in the last few weeks, but he is concerned about his CV. He does refer to it a lot.'

The United boss has himself only won one Manager of the Month award throughout the season.

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